CWI Adjunct Faculty, Vickie Gooch, helped chair an operation with Idaho State Police to save six women in Boise from human trafficking.
Read more about ‘Inspiration to Many’: CWI Criminal Justice Instructor Recognized for Work on Police OperationCriminal Justice
Explore the Depths of Criminal Justice for a Dynamic Career Path
Program Overview
Are you driven by a desire to help others, protect the community, and make a positive impact in the criminal justice system? College of Western Idaho’s (CWI) Criminal Justice program is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed for a fulfilling career in this vital field. This comprehensive program covers legal studies, sociology, political science, psychology, arrest procedures, and search and seizure, preparing you for various roles in law enforcement, court administration, victim services, and corrections.
With a focus on real-world applications, this program provides you with a deep understanding of criminal justice system practices and processes. Whether you plan to transfer to a four-year institution or begin a career immediately, our program offers flexibility with various course formats and provides the foundational education required for success in the field.
Degree or Certificate Type
Associate of Arts
Fully Online
Cost
Additional cost may apply.
Time to Complete
2 years
Primary Locations
Learning Opportunities
- Experienced Instructors: Learn from qualified instructors with real-world experience, dedicated to your success.
- Flexible Learning Formats: Choose from on-campus, fully-remote, hybrid, and online courses to suit your schedule and learning preferences.
- Practical Understanding of Criminal Justice: Gain an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system through diverse coursework and site visits.
- Networking & Professional Development: Connect with professionals in the field through guest speakers, career interviews, and networking events.
- Critical Skills Development: Develop critical thinking, research, and analysis methods, along with diversity awareness and a global perspective on crime and justice.
- Transfer On: Take your CWI credits to four-year institutions to further your education and career opportunities including Boise State University and Lewis-Clark State College.
Areas of Study
Degrees & Certificates
Criminal Justice – Associate of Arts Degree
Career Opportunities
Postsecondary Teachers
1063
Annual Openings*
$35.10
Hourly Median Wage*
$73,008
Annual Median Salary
18.28%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other
All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.
62
Annual Openings*
$22.16
Hourly Median Wage*
$46,093
Annual Median Salary
9.77%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.
38
Annual Openings*
$43.40
Hourly Median Wage*
$90,272
Annual Median Salary
6.05%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers
Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.
10
Annual Openings*
$30.32
Hourly Median Wage*
$63,066
Annual Median Salary
2.25%
Growth (2025 – 2035)*
*Data sourced from Lightcast™, a labor market analytics tool, and limited to the state of Idaho. Contact CWI Institutional Research for questions regarding this data. Career pathways may require further education beyond CWI.
Admissions
Step 1
- Apply to CWI.
- Choose Criminal Justice as your major.
Step 2
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Cost & Aid
As a student in this program, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships.
Enrichment Opportunities
Enhance your academic experience, expand your knowledge, reach your goals, and celebrate your achievements.
Advising
Already a student? We are here to help you navigate your educational journey, connect you to academic and support resources, and achieve your academic or career goals.
Transfer Information
Plan ahead for a smooth transition to a four-year college or university.
Related Programs
News
Tour provides students the opportunity to see first-hand how juveniles are living, learning, and working toward release and reintegration into the community.
Read more about Criminal Justice Students Tour Juvenile Corrections Facility
CWI’s annual giving tree collects over 600 gifts for children in need in the Treasure Valley.
Read more about Giving Tree Brings Holiday Cheer
Unwrapped gifts will be collected on campus through Dec. 9 to help bring holiday cheer to children in the Treasure Valley.
Read more about 13th-Annual Giving Tree
Congratulations to Senior Coordinator of Course and Curriculum Management, Samantha Grapes, named CWI’s Staff of the Month for September 2021.
Read more about Grapes Named September Staff of the Month
Brighten the holiday season for children in the Treasure Valley by donating gifts to the College’s annual Giving Tree.
Read more about Giving Tree Gathers Gifts for Foster Children
CWI’s Criminal Justice program is excited to welcome Dr. Greg Hampikian, founder and director of the Idaho Innocence Project.
Read more about Criminal Justice Program Welcomes Dr. Greg Hampikian
Kevin Platts has been named the new Director of Public Safety Programs at College of Western Idaho.
Read more about Kevin Platts to Lead Public Safety Programs at the College
McKenzie Wood has been selected as College of Western Idaho’s Faculty of Distinction for March 2018.
Read more about Faculty of Distinction—March 2018
Criminal Justice Club adopted a family for Christmas.
Read more about Criminal Justice Club Adopts a Family for Christmas
The June 2017 Faculty of the Month recognition goes to Stephanie Ritchie Breach.
Read more about June 2017 Faculty of the Month—Stephanie Ritchie Breach
College of Western Idaho (CWI) has been sharing stories of success from several of this year’s graduates as we countdown to the 2017 commencement ceremony. The road traveled by students to arrive at...
Read more about Celebrating Student SuccessRequest More Information
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